Patricio Pacifico Joins Barcelona First Team Amid Injuries

Barcelona Calls Up 19-Year-Old Patricio Pacifico to First Team

Injuries to Balde and Kounde open door for Argentine newcomer

BlaugranaNews EditorialMarch 04, 20261 min read

So what

Pacifico’s involvement could help solve Barcelona’s defensive issues and marks a crucial opportunity for the young player to prove himself at top level.

Barcelona faced multiple setbacks in defense following their Copa del Rey match against Atletico Madrid. Key full-backs Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde suffered injuries expected to sideline them for at least four weeks.

Due to the absences, manager Hansi Flick has called up 19-year-old Patricio Pacifico to train with the first team. The Argentine arrived in January from Uruguayan club Defensor Sporting on loan and is capable of playing as a left-back or left-sided center-back. Although he has yet to make his debut for Barcelona B, Pacifico has started training with the senior squad.

Another young prospect, Jofre Torrens, who would typically be the next option, is currently sidelined by injury, creating an opportunity for Pacifico to integrate with the first team. It remains unclear if he will be included in the matchday squad for the upcoming La Liga fixture against Athletic Club.

This call-up represents a significant step for Pacifico in adapting to European football and showcases Barcelona’s efforts to address their injury crisis by giving chances to promising youth players.